EMILY’s List to back Mary Burke in Wisconsin

EMILY’s List, the group that recruits and supports Democratic female candidates, will announce Thursday that it is endorsing former Trek Bicycle executive Mary Burke in her longshot campaign to unseat Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker in 2014.

“Mary Burke is an insightful problem-solver who has worked in the private, government, and nonprofit sectors to grow Wisconsin’s economy and increase educational opportunities,” Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, said in a statement. “The EMILY’s List community — now more than two million members strong — is thrilled to support Mary Burke’s campaign to become the first woman governor in Wisconsin history.”

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Burke, also a former state commerce secretary, announced she would challenge Walker earlier this month.

In an email to EMILY’s List supporters that will go out later Thursday, Schriock blasts Walker for his tenure in Wisconsin and his position on women’s issues — an argument national Democrats are eager to make against the incumbent.

The EMILY’s List nod for Burke comes on the heels of the group’s 2012 success in Wisconsin: They supported now-Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s campaign to the tune of $3.5 million, as well as raising more than $1.1 million for her.

Burke has an uphill race ahead of her: Walker survived a recall attempt in 2012 and will be difficult to defeat next year. But Democrats believe she can make the race competitive.